At one with nature: the best eco-lodges

In France, Europe and throughout the world, nature is more beautiful and vibrant than ever. Discover our selection of eco-lodges and enjoy a unique experience.

Eco-Hôtel Spa Yves Rocher, nature's all yours

The Eco-Hôtel Spa Yves Rocher sits about 90 kilometres from Nantes, just a stone's throw away from the village of La Gacilly, home to the plant-based cosmetics brand for over 50 years. The architecture of the spa is modern and fits perfectly into the landscape: planted roofs, rainwater collection systems, and photovoltaic panels. Reconnecting with nature, slowing down and breathing are the mantras of this "High Environmental Quality" and "European Ecolabel and Green Globe” certified hotel. Twenty-nine rooms, a suite and a cabin are dressed in straw and natural materials with linens made of cotton and wooden floors. Large bay windows look out onto the 10-hectare estate where rabbits, squirrels, frogs and butterflies frolic around works of art inspired by nature. At the spa, let the beauticians pamper you, and enjoy the plant fragrances and essential oils. Finally, for dinner, chef Gilles Le Gallès will prepare organic dishes made with local produce. On the menu, crushed potatoes with truffles, parsley cream, or 7 hour lamb shoulder scented with rosemary and polenta.

The Kolarbyn Eco-lodge promises a complete change of scenery hidden deep into the woods with no electricity or running water. Sleeping takes place in cabins built just like those used by charcoal-burners when they would sleep in the field. You will instantly go back to basics with sounds of crackling fire from the pit and birds chirping as your only companions. A nice opportunity to travel back in time to the days when you dreamt of tree houses and Robinson Crusoe type adventures.
The Kolarbyn Eco-lodge offers many activities to draw you even closer to nature: riding, hiking, fishing or safaris to seek out beavers or reindeer who rule the forest. Warning: here, phones and other connected devices will have to stay in your bag, your only connection will be with your surroundings. No doubt this extraordinary adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories.

South of Nosy Komba island, 25 minutes from Nosy Be by boat, the Tsara Komba Lodge is a true gem. Authentic and wild, it sits amidst a vast nature reserve with lemurs, chameleons, and hummingbirds where the infamous Madagascar vanilla grows freely among other endemic plants. In perfect harmony with its surroundings, the Tsara Komba Eco-lodge cares for the environment: everything is recycled, materials used to build the facilities – such as wood and plants – are environmentally friendly and the wastewater is filtered and reused to water the garden. To support local economy, food is supplied by the island's merchants and hotel employees come from neighbouring villages. Simply give in to your desires, live at your own pace, experience total freedom in the heart of a natural and fantastic eco-chic atmosphere. If you want to meditate and open yourself to nature, the Tsara Komba Lodge is the place for you.

Halfway between radiant Milan and romantic Venice, Lefay Resort & Spa beautifully blends into the landscape with its stone and wooden architecture. The energy used by the resort comes mainly from biomass generated by the discreet solar panels, and rainwater is collected. The bright rooms, decorated with natural materials, overlook Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy – or give onto the 11 hectare park where olive groves and lemon trees diffuse a typically Mediterranean scent. Dedicated to wellbeing, the resort also offers true rejuvenation. Rediscover your body at the gym, but also outside, during a hike or a run beneath tall trees. After that, what better way to relax than at the spa with a sauna or dip in one of the saltwater pools?

The Punta Islita Hotel in Costa Rica, about 230 kilometres from San José, has been striving to protect the environment ever since it was established in 1994. The hotel has set up partnerships with NGOs and works with local communities in a constant effort to preserve the fauna and promote reforestation. Authenticity reigns everywhere in Punta Islita. The rooms are painted in light and airy colours and outside, the pool becomes one with the ocean on the horizon. Many activities are offered, bringing you closer to nature. They include horseback riding or hiking. The more adventurous travellers can try out the zip-line and "touch" the treetops and dive into the canopy. During your hikes, you will also meet the "inhabitants" of the forest: monkeys, of course, as well as more than 35 different types of birds. Change of scenery guaranteed!

The Green House is UK's most environmentally friendly hotel, just two hours away from London by train. Set in a fully renovated Victorian house, the charming estate has been "thought out" with great respect for the environment: electricity is solar powered, everything is reused or recycled. As for the 32 rooms of this boutique-hotel, they are all equipped with furniture made of natural and green materials built by local craftsmen – in order to limit transportation and thus the "carbon footprint". Enjoy an enchanting afternoon with in-room massages. At the award-winning Arbor Restaurant, chef Andy Hilton serves delicious dishes made from local organic seasonal produce. Taste the ratatouille or seafood platter starring the catch of the day.